Objective To discuss the elbow skin fold extension line in Kirschner wire internal fixation of extended supracondylar humeral fractures in children. Methods The clinical data of 58 children with extended supracondylar fractures of the humerus who met the selection criteria between August 2021 and July 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. In 28 cases, needle placement of medial epicondyle of humerus was performed with the assistance of the elbow skin fold extension line (study group), and 30 cases were assisted by routine touch of the medial epicondyle of the humerus (control group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, side, cause of injury, Gartland type, Kirschner wire configuration, and time from injury to operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The closed reduction rate, total operation time, time of medial humeral condyle pin placement, fluoroscopy times during medial pin placement, rate of one-time determination of medial entry point, ulnar nerve injury incidence, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared between the two groups. At the same time, the closed reduction rate of patients with the time from injury to operation ≤24 hours and >24 hours was compared. The elbow function was evaluated by Mayo elbow function score. Results The closed reduction rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). Among all patients, the closed reduction rate of patients with the time from injury to operation ≤24 hours [73.3% (22/30)] was significantly higher than that of patients >24 hours [42.9% (12/28)] (χ2=5.545, P=0.019). The total operation time, medial needle placement time, and fluoroscopy times in the study group were significantly less than those in the control group, and the one-time determination rate of medial needle entry point in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). There were 4 cases of ulnar nerve injury in the control group, and no ulnar nerve injury in the study group, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of ulnar nerve injury between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8 months). There was no bone nonunion in both groups, and the fracture healing time of the study group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P<0.05). Volkmann ischemic contracture, heterotopic ossification, myositis ossificans, and premature epiphyseal closure were not observed after operation. No complications such as loosening or fracture of Kirschner wire occurred. At last follow-up, the Mayo elbow joint function score was used to evaluate function, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion In the treatment of extended supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children, the elbow skin fold extension line can help to quickly locate the medial epicondyle of the humerus, quickly insert Kirschner wire, and reduce the operation time and trauma.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire in the closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children. Methods A clinical data of 43 children with multi-direction unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between August 2020 and August 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one cases of fractures were treated wuth closed reduction after medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire and percutaneous Kirschner wires fixation (study group), while 22 cases of fractures were treated by traditional closed reduction technique and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, and interval from injury to operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the number of children who were changed to open reduction after closed reduction failure, fracture healing time, complications within 2 months after operation, and the Flynn score of elbow joint function at last follow-up were compared between the two groups. ResultsAll the fractures in the study group were successfully closed reduction, and 4 cases in the control group were changed to open reduction and completed the operation, the difference between the two groups was significant (P=0.040). The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the study group were significantly less than those of the control group (P<0.05). All children in both groups were followed up 6-18 months with an average of 9.0 months in the study group and 9.8 months in the control group. Imaging review showed that the fractures of both groups healed, and the difference in the healing time between the two groups was not significant (P=0.373). According to Flynn score at last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of elbow joint function was 95.2% (20/21) in the study group and 86.4% (19/22) in the control group, with no significant difference (P=0.317). There was no complication such as infection or irritation at the end of Kirchner wire within 2 months after operation. Conclusion For children with multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, the use of Kirschner wires to reconstruct the medial and lateral column periosteal hinge to assist in closed reduction has the advantages of shortening operation time, reducing intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and effectively reducing the incidence of open reduction, and can achieve similar postoperative elbow joint function when compared with traditional closed reduction technique.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of early versus delayed closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 468 children with supracondylar humerus fractures, who were admitted between January 2020 and December 2023 and met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 187 children were treated during 12 hours after injury (early operation group) and 281 were treated after 12 hours (delayed operation group). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in the gender, age, injury mechanism, fracture side and type, while there was significant difference in interval from injury to operation (P<0.05). The operative outcomes, including the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the length of hospital stay, fracture healing time, elbow function assessed by Flynn criteria at 3 months after operation, and complications, were compared. Results Compared to the delayed operation group, the early operation group demonstrated significantly shorter operation time and less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). All children were followed up 3-12 months. The follow-up time was (6.7±2.9) months in the early operation group and (6.9±2.8) months in the delayed operation group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the fracture healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). At 3 months after operation, the early operation group exhibited superior Flynn elbow functional outcomes to the delayed operation group (P<0.05). In the early operation group, there was 1 case of fracture non-union and 3 cases of cubital varus deformity after operation. In the delayed operation group, there was 1 case of nerve injury, 7 cases of fracture non-union, and 12 cases of cubital varus deformity after operation. There was significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P<0.05). One case of the early operation group and 10 cases of the delayed operation group underwent secondary operation, showing no significant difference in the incidence of secondary operation between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures, early closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation can reduce operation time, minimize intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications, and improve the functional recovery compared to delayed operation.
Objective To investigate the surgical technique and preliminary effectiveness of closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) using antegrade elastic intramedullary nailing (ESIN) via a novel approach through the proximal radius for treating distal radius metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (DRMDJ) fractures in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 34 children with DRMDJ fractures who met the selection criteria and were treated between January 2020 and June 2023. There were 21 boys and 13 girls, aged 6-14 years (mean, 8.2 years). Injury causes included falls in 11 cases and sports-related trauma in 23 cases. Twenty-six cases were associated with ipsilateral distal ulnar fractures. All patients had failed initial closed reduction in the outpatient clinic. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 15 days (mean, 4 days). All patients underwent CRIF using antegrade ESIN inserted via a novel approach at the proximal one-third of the radius. The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded. Fracture reduction was assessed immediately after operation on anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films for residual translation and angulation. Wrist function was evaluated using the modified Mayo wrist score. ResultsSurgery was successfully completed in all 34 children. CRIF with ESIN failed in 2 cases with associated ipsilateral distal ulnar fractures, requiring conversion to open reduction of the ulna. Operation time ranged from 15 to 56 minutes (mean, 21 minutes). Intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency ranged from 5 to 21 times (mean, 7 times). Immediate postoperative X-ray films showed residual translation of 0-15% on anteroposterior view and 0-10% on lateral view, and residual angulation of 0°-5° on both anteroposterior and lateral views. All children were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 12 months). There was no complication such as neurovascular injury, incision infection, or limitation of forearm rotation. Follow-up X-ray films showed no fracture displacement, implant loosening, delayed union, or nonunion. Fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 8 weeks (mean, 6 weeks). Implants were removed at 4-6 months postoperatively (mean, 5 months). At last follow-up, all fractures had achieved anatomic or near-anatomic healing. The modified Mayo wrist score ranged from 80 to 100 (mean, 94), with 27 excellent and 7 good results, yielding an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion CRIF using antegrade ESIN via a novel approach through proximal radius is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric DRMDJ fractures, associated with few postoperative complications and excellent restoration of wrist function.
Objective To describe a surgical device for closed reduction of tibial fracture and investigate its clinical effectiveness. Methods Between June 2010 and December 2012, 24 cases of tibial fractures were treated with intramedullary nailing using a surgical device for closed reduction. There were 18 males and 6 females with an average age of 40 years (range, 20-64 years). All fractures were closed. There were 3 proximal third fractures, 12 middle third fractures, and 9 distal third fractures. According to AO classification, 12 cases were classified as type A, 8 cases as type B, and 4 cases as type C. The mean time between injury and operation was 3 days (range, 1-12 days). The intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency to confirm closed reduction and guide wire passing the fracture site, and the duration between fracture reduction and nail insertion were recorded. The injured limb alignment and fracture angular deformity were measured as described by Freedman et al. The fuction of affected limb was estimated by Johner-Wruhs criteria. Results Closed reduction was successfully performed in 24 patients. The mean fluoroscopy frequency to confirm closed reduction was 3 (range, 2-5). The fluoroscopy frequency to confirm guide wire passing the fracture site was 2. The mean duration between fracture reduction and nail insertion was 30 minutes (range, 20-42 minutes). No intraoperative or postoperative complication occurred, such as infection, vessel and nerve injuries. All incisions healed by first intention. Seventeen patients were followed up 6-16 months (mean, 10 months). Radiographic evidence showed that bridging callous was observed at 2-4 months (mean, 2.5 months). The injured limb alignment was normal on anteroposterial and lateral radiographs at 5 months postoperatively, no malalignment and obvious angular deformity was observed. The internal fixator had good position. According to Johner-Wruhs criteria for evaluation of the affected limb function, the results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 5 cases with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion The surgical device for closed reduction of tibial fracture is simple and easy to use, and has good effectiveness combined with intramedullary nailing.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of channel screw combined with skin-stretching technique in treatment of pelvic fracture with severe Morel-Lavallée lesion.MethodsBetween January 2017 and May 2020, 11 patients with pelvic fractures complicated with severe Morel-Lavallée lesions were treated with channel screw combined with skin-stretching technique. There were 8 males and 3 females, with an average age of 39.2 years (range, 28-58 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident in 9 cases and falling from hight in 2 cases. The time from injury to hospital admission ranged from 1 to 6 days (mean, 3.7 days). According to the Tile classification, the pelvic fractures were rated as type C1 in 7 cases, type C2 in 3 cases, and type C3 in 1 case. The sites of Morel-Lavallée lesions were buttocks in 8 cases, hips in 2 cases, and thigh in 1 case. There was 1 case of rectal injury, 1 case of splenic rupture, 3 cases of craniocerebral injury, 2 cases of chest injury, 4 cases of spinal fracture, and 6 cases of sacral nerve injury. X-ray films were performed to observe reduction and healing of fracture. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated by Matta standard at 1 week after operation. Wound healing and complications were observed. Majeed scoring was used to evaluate hip function and Gibbons sacral nerve injury grading was used to evaluate neurological function recovery.ResultsThe patients underwent 4-7 operations, with an average of 5.8 operations. The time of first operation (pelvic fracture fixation, debridement, and skin distractor installation) was 115-275 minutes, with an average of 186.5 minutes. The amount of intraoperative blood loss was 30-80 mL, with an average of 45.5 mL. All patients were followed up 6-12 months, with an average of 8.3 months. The quality of fracture reduction according to the Matta standard was excellent in 7 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 81.8%. All fractures healed at 3-6 months after operation, with an average of 4.5 months. At last follow-up, the hip functions were excellent in 7 cases and good in 4 cases according to Majeed scoring, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Among the 6 patients complicated with sacral nerve injury, the Gibbons sacral nerve injury grading reached gradeⅠ for 4 cases, gradeⅡ for 1 case, and grade Ⅲ for 1 case. The wounds of 9 cases were sutured directly after skin-stretching treatment for 25-32 days, with an average of 28 days. The dermal edge necrosis occurred in 1 case, and the defect was repaired by free skin grafting. The skin superficial dry necrosis of the wound occurred in 1 case, and healed by dressing change.ConclusionIn the treatment of pelvic fracture complicated with severe Morel-Lavallée lesion, the channel screw and skin-stretching technique showed their own advantages, which can obtain early fracture fixation and good wound healing.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of transverse antecubital incision in the treatment of failed closed reduction of Gartland type Ⅲ supracondylar humeral fractures (SHFs) in children. Methods Between July 2020 and April 2022, 20 children with Gartland type Ⅲ SHFs who failed in closed reduction were treated with internal and external condylar crossing Kirschner wire fixation through transverse antecubital incision. There were 9 boys and 11 girls with an average age of 3.1 years (range, 1.1-6.0 years). The causes of injuries were fall in 12 cases and fall from height in 8 cases. The time from admission to operation ranged from 7 to 18 hours, with an average of 12.4 hours. The healing of the incision and the occurrence of complications such as nerve injury and cubitus varus were observed after operation; the elbow flexion and extension range of motion after removing the gypsum, after removing the Kirschner wire, and at last follow-up were recorded and compared, as well as the elbow flexion and extension and forearm rotation range of motion at last follow-up between healthy and affected sides; the Baumann angle was measured on the X-ray film, and the fracture healing was observed. At last follow-up, the effectiveness was evaluated according to the Flynn elbow function evaluation criteria. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention, and there was no skin necrosis, scar contracture, ulnar nerve injury, and cubitus varus. Postoperative pain occurred in the radial-dorsal thumb in 2 cases. The gypsum was removed and elbow flexion and extension exercises were started at 2-4 weeks (mean, 2.7 weeks) after operation, and the Kirschner wire was removed at 4-5 weeks (mean, 4.3 weeks). All the 20 patients were followed up 6-16 months, with an average of 12.4 months. The fracture healing time was 4-5 weeks, with an average of 4.5 weeks, and there was no complication such as delayed healing and myositis ossificans. The flexion and extension range of motion of the elbow joint gradually improved after operation, and there were significant differences between the time after removing the gypsum, after removing the Kirschner wire, and at last follow-up (P<0.017). There was no significant difference in the flexion and extension of the elbow joint and the forearm rotation range of motion between the healthy and affected sides at last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Baumann angle between the time of immediate after operation, after removing the Kirschner wire, and at last follow-up (P>0.05). According to Flynn elbow function evaluation standard, 16 cases were excellent and 4 cases were good, the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion The treatment of Gartland type Ⅲ SHFs in children with failed closed reduction by internal and external condylar crossing Kirschner wire fixation through transverse antecubital incision has the advantages of complete soft tissue hinge behind the fracture for easy reduction and wire fixation, small incision, less complications, fast fracture healing, early functional recovery, reliable reduction and fixation, and can obtain satisfactory results.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of closed reduction combined with Taylor three-dimensional space stent fixation in treatment of supracondylar femoral fractures in children.MethodsBetween July 2008 and July 2016, 20 patients with supracondylar femoral fractures were treated with closed reduction combined with Taylor three-dimensional space stent fixation. There were 14 males and 6 females, with an average age of 10.3 years (range, 6-14 years). The cause of injury was traffic accident in 5 cases, falling from high place in 6 cases, and falling in 9 cases. All fractures were closed fractures. Among them, 12 cases were flexion type and 8 cases were straight type. According to AO classification, 12 cases were rated as type A1 and 8 cases as type A2. The fractures were over 0.5-5.0 cm (mean, 2.5 cm) of the epiphysis line. The time from injury to surgery was 2-8 days (mean, 3.5 days). Postoperative knee joint function was evaluated based on the Kolment evaluation criteria.ResultsAll children were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 18.1 months). There was no complication such as nail infection, vascular nerve injury, external fixation looseing, fracture displacement, or re-fracture. All fractures healed and the fracture healing time was 4-6 weeks with an average of 4.5 weeks. The stent removal time was 8-12 weeks (mean, 9.5 weeks). The gait and knee function recovered, and there was no abnormality of the epiphysis. At last follow-up, the knee joint function were excellent in 18 cases and good in 2 cases according to the Kolment evaluation criteria, and the excellent and good rate was 100%.ConclusionClosed reduction combined with Taylor three-dimensional space stent fixation is an effective treatment for the children with supracondylar femoral fractures, with small trauma and rapid recovery. It can avoid damaging the tarsal plate, be high fracture healing rate, and promote the recovery of limb function.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and advantages of skeletal tractor in closed reduction and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture compared with traction table.MethodsThe clinical data of 86 patients with intertrochanteric fractures, who were treated with closed reduction and PFNA internal fixation between October 2016 and March 2018 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analysed. Among them, 44 cases were treated with skeletal tractor (trial group) and 42 cases were treated with traction table (control group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, AO classification, and degree of osteoporosis (P>0.05). The preoperative position time, operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and postoperative Harris score were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe operation was successfully completed in both groups. Compared with the control group, the patients in the trial group had shorter preoperative position time and operation time, fewer intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05). The patients were followed up 12-21 months in trial group (mean, 14.2 months) and 12-22 months in control group (mean, 14.3 months). Venous thrombosis of lower extremity occurred in 8 patients (3 cases of trial group and 5 cases of control group) after operation. Internal fixation failure occurred in 5 patients (2 cases of trial group and 3 cases of control group) during 1 year after operation. All fractures healed except for those with internal fixation failure, the fracture healing time was (11.6±2.9) weeks in trial group and (12.4±3.6) weeks in control group; and there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=1.250, P=0.214). At 1 year after operation, Harris score of the trial group was 86.2±5.9 and that of the control group was 84.1±6.1. There was no significant difference between the two groups (t=1.768, P=0.080).ConclusionCompared with traction table, skeletal tractor in closed reduction and PFNA internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture can significantly shorten the preoperative position time and operation time, reduce the intraoperative fluoroscopy times, improve the operation efficiency, and have similar effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation for different unstable humeral lateralcondylar fractures of children. Methods The clinical data of 94 children with unstable humeral lateralcondylar fractures admitted to three medical centers between January 2021 and October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The children were divided into three groups according to the Song classification and whether the elbow joint was dislocated or not, including 42 cases of Song 4 type (group A), 38 cases of Song 5 type (group B), and 14 cases of elbow joint dislocation (group C). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, cause of injury, and time from injury to operation among the three groups (P>0.05). All children were treated with ultrasound-guided closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. The operation time and complications of the three groups were recorded and compared, and the failure of closed reduction was evaluated by ultrasound. X-ray examination was performed at last follow-up to measure the Baumann angle, condylar angle, carrying angle, and lateral osteophyte of the affected side; the extension, flexion, pronation, and supination range of motion of the affected elbow joint were measured; the function of the elbow joint was evaluated by Mayo score. ResultsThe operation time in group A was significantly longer than that in groups B and C (P<0.05). There were 7, 2, and 5 cases of closed reduction failure in groups A, B, and C, respectively, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of the closed reduction failure (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 6-28 months, with an average of 15.7 months. There was no significant difference in the follow-up time among the three groups (P>0.05). Complications: in group A, there were 2 cases of delayed union, 4 cases of needle tract infection, 1 case of trochlear necrosis, and 39 cases of lateral osteophyte; in group B, there was 1 case of malunion, 5 cases of needle tract infection, 1 case of redisplacement, and 26 cases of lateral osteophyte; in group C, there were 2 cases of needle tract infection and 10 cases of lateral osteophyte. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications among the three groups (P>0.05). No cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity was found in all patients. At last follow-up, except that the condylar angle in group A was significantly greater than that in groups B and C (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in other imaging indicators, elbow range of motion, or Mayo score between groups (P>0.05). ConclusionThe Song type 4 of humeral lateralcondylar fracture treated with ultrasound-guided closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation has a longer operation time, more postoperative complications, and is more prone to lateral osteophyte.